Riger: Verlander Has Got It Figured Out

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 05: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers reacts after striking out Stephen Vogt #21 of the Oakland Athletics to end the seventh inning during Game Two of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum on October 5, 2013 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers reacts after striking out Stephen Vogt #21 of the Oakland Athletics to end the seventh inning during Game Two of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum on October 5, 2013 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

DETROIT (WWJ) – Tigers fans got their wish granted last night as Detroit beat the Oakland Athletics in Game 5, with a 3-0 victory on the West Coast. Jeff Riger with 97.1 The Ticket gave the credit to ace pitcher Justin Verlander, who struggled earlier in the season, but went eight scoreless innings in the ALDS win.

“Justin Verlander in the month of September has been great,” said Riger.”He hasn’t given up an earned run, I believe, since September 18, so whatever it is, whether it’s location, mechanics, something mental … he’s figured it out.”

So, what does he predict for the series against the Boston Red Sox?

“I think it’s going to be a very close series, and with Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander definitely getting the pitch in this series – maybe one guy twice? You’ve got to feel pretty good.”